Windows 3.0 Support of 16550 and 16550A UART (64935)

This article was previously published under Q64935

Microsoft Windows version 3.0 does not support the advanced first-in-first- out (FIFO) buffer feature of the 16550 and 16550A Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART). It does support the 16550 and 16550A as a standard 8250 UART.

The 8250 UART has been the primary micro-circuitry for communication ports in IBM-compatible machines. If the computer's communication port is using the 16550 or 16550A, you should disable the FIFO buffer.

Refer to your hardware documentation or contact your manufacturer for assistance in disabling the FIFO buffer.